Pearson Test of English Academic accepted by the Australian government for visa applications

May 23, 2014, 10:18
, 10:18

Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, today announced that the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) has been approved by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) as proof of English language proficiency for a range of visa categories. The decision means that for the first time in thirteen years, visa applicants will have a choice of Government-approved English language testing options.

Emma Stubbs, Senior Vice-President of Pearson Language Testing,commented: “English language ability is important for success for any new Australian migrant, helping them to improve their employment opportunities, social integration and everyday interaction. It is critical to be able to prove this skill in a secure and objective environment using the most up-to-date testing methods and technologies. This is what PTE Academic offers and we are delighted that people intending to work and live in Australia will now have the opportunity to choose which English test best suits them.”

The decision affects skilled, temporary graduate, work, holiday and former resident visa programmes. This impacts all visa subclasses, with the exception of subclass 457 which is currently undergoing an external review. In 2012 – 2013, around 130,000 visas were granted for permanent additions to the Australian population through this range of visa categories. The largest migrant source markets (excluding New Zealand) were India, China and the United Kingdom.

David Barnett, Managing Director of Pearson Australia & Singapore, commented: “PTE Academic operates in over 50 countries where people are looking to prove their English language ability, and has seen a rapid expansion into key source markets for Australian migration. The test’s rapid adoption has been fuelled by its superior service - convenient test locations worldwide, flexible test schedules and fast result times – typically, test-takers receive their results within five business days.”

Worldwide, PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of academic programmes, as well as by the UK Visa & Immigration department. In 2011, PTE Academic was accepted as proof of English-language ability for Australian student visas, and has since been adopted by all Australian universities as proof of English language ability. Pearson has invested heavily in digital, biometric and forensic security measures, driving up standards in such a high-stakes testing environment. As a relative newcomer the market place, Pearson has been able to place cutting-edge methodologies and technologies at the heart of its service and believes PTE Academic is the most secure, reliable, objective and accurate test in its field.

PTE Academic operates test centres in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as in over 50 countries worldwide.

For press enquiries contact

Asia Pacific

Rest of World

Gemma Considine, gemma.considine@pearson.com

About PTE Academic

PTE Academic is the world’s leading computer-based test of English for study abroad and immigration.

PTE Academic offers fast, flexible English testing. Candidates can schedule their test as little as twenty-four hours in advance, and typically receive their results within five business days. PTE Academic offers flexible testing locations, with test centres in over 50 countries worldwide.

PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of academic programs worldwide, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD and Yale University. PTE Academic is also accepted by the UK and Australian governments for visa applications.

Pearson has invested heavily in digital, biometric and forensic security measures, driving up standards in such a high-stakes testing environment. As a relative newcomer the market place, Pearson has been able to place cutting-edge methodologies and technologies at the heart of its service and believes PTE Academic is the most secure, reliable, objective and accurate test in its field.

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company. Our education business combines 150 years of experience in publishing with the latest learning technology and online support. We are also part of the wider Pearson family which includes the Financial Times and Penguin Random House.

We provide education and assessment services in more than 70 countries. Our courses and resources are available in print, online and through multi-lingual packages, helping people learn whatever, wherever and however they choose.

At Pearson, we take learning personally. Every day our work helps learning flourish, and wherever learning flourishes, so do people.